ASEAN strengthens cooperation to tackle future health challenges
One of the key milestones is the launch of the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030, which will serve as the region’s health roadmap for the next five years.
One of the key milestones is the launch of the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030, which will serve as the region’s health roadmap for the next five years.
According to the CAEXPO Secretariat, Vietnam will once again lease an entire exhibition area of about 3,000sq.m, featuring 170 booths, making it one of the ASEAN countries with the largest exhibition spaces at this year’s event. Nearly 100 Vietnamese businesses have confirmed their participation, including major brands such as Trung Nguyen Group, TH Group, Saigon Coffee and Biti’s.
The official visit to Vietnam by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing from September 4-6 opened a new chapter in bilateral ties and contributed to regional peace and prosperity, while highlighting Vietnam’s constructive and pragmatic role in maintaining ASEAN unity and credibility.
Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan highlighted Vladivostok's important role as a gateway connecting Russia with the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam. He noted that 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.
China-ASEAN trade cooperation is shifting from expansion in scale toward higher-quality growth, with greater emphasis on trade liberalisation, supply-chain connectivity and emerging fields such as the digital and green economies.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang noted that ADMM+ has consistently served as an open and inclusive cooperation mechanism allowing nations with legitimate interests to contribute to peace, stability, and development.
PM Le Minh Hung affirmed his commitment to working alongside other ASEAN leaders to deepen bilateral and regional cooperation in an increasingly substantive and effective manner.
In his speech, Long outlined challenges related to policy, human resources, technological gaps and platforms, economic factors, and new issues arising from AI. He also introduced the VNA's solutions to address the challenges of digital transformation and shared VietnamPlus' experience in adapting to the digital environment.
To this end, Vietnam proposed three strategic priorities for ASEAN cooperation. First, ASEAN should expand and harmonise mutual recognition mechanisms by increasing the scope and number of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in the region; and promote the role of the ASEAN TVET Council (ATC) in connecting national skills certification systems with regional and global standards, based on national occupational skills qualification frameworks and regional references.
Under the Philippines' chair, ASEAN defence cooperation will grow even stronger, allowing the region to respond flexibly and proactively to security risks, said Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang.
The team of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) defeated the squad of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Public Security in the final in Hanoi on August 25 to win the ASEAN Armies’ Open Volleyball Tournament 2026.
Back from their first leg success in Bangkok, Vietnam are completely focused on their training and are determined to take another win to convince the entire region of their power.
The fair featured traditional dishes from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Timor-Leste, along with cultural performances, bringing the image of a diverse yet united ASEAN community closer to international friends.
The UK is accelerating investment in clean power across Southeast Asia. The country is working closely together through its co-leadership of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to support Vietnam’s ambition to expand renewable energy, unlock investment in offshore wind, and build a cleaner, more resilient energy system for the future.
In his opening remarks, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa underscored the importance of nurturing the sense of community and solidarity among ASEAN members.
The cultural programme takes place from August 21-23, bringing together chefs and culinary specialities from five ASEAN member states with diplomatic missions in Colombo, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Vietnamese businesses have established leading positions in some supply chains, including seafood, wood processing, cashew and coffee processing. However, in manufacturing and electronics, many firms remain concentrated in assembly and the supply of simple components. Data transparency, traceability and effective supply-chain management are key to helping leading businesses maintain their positions.
Vietnamese players were thirsty for the SEAN Hyundai Cup title when playing final's first leg match against Thailand in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on August 22.
On August 21, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with the Department of Vocational and Continuing Education under the Ministry of Education and Training, held a national workshop in Hanoi to discuss the implementation of the AQRF and introduce Vietnam's AQRF Referencing Report and post-referencing action plan.
The ASEAN-5's trade surplus had maintained a steady upward trajectory since 2014, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% over the period.